Specification Guide
What the testing specifications actually require
A plain-language summary of the soil nail and ground anchor testing requirements in TMR MRTS03, TfNSW TS 02168.1 and TS 02163 — so you know exactly what your contract will ask for before you programme the works.
TMR MRTS03 — Queensland
What MRTS03 Clause 49.5 requires
- Acceptance testing is a hold point (Hold Point 21): production soil nails must be load tested before the works proceed past that stage.
- Test frequency is set by lot size — under 50 nails: 3 tests; 51–100 nails: 6 tests; over 100 nails: 6% of nails.
- Each nail is loaded to 1.5 times the design working load, measured to an accuracy of ±1 kN.
- The loading sequence runs three complete cycles: load to 20% of test load to set the deflection datum, then the balance in three equal increments, with a one-hour hold at test load.
- Acceptance criterion: deflection after three cycles must not exceed 0.1% of the nail length, with grout at least 20 MPa and at least four days old.
- MRTS03 does not prescribe a separate suitability regime — pre-construction verification testing is run to the load nominated by the designer or Superintendent.
TfNSW TS 02168.1 (R64) — New South Wales
What TS 02168.1 requires for soil nailing
- Suitability tests on sacrificial (non-production) nails: the greater of 1% of working nails or two per ground type in the anchorage zone, installed by the same method as the works.
- Suitability loading runs four cycles to 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% of the ultimate geotechnical strength, with 10, 60, 10 and 180 minute observation periods at each peak.
- Test load is capped so it never exceeds 80% of the bar's ultimate tensile strength; grout must be confirmed at 40 MPa before testing.
- Creep criteria: less than 2 mm between the 6 and 60 minute readings, and less than 1 mm between 60 and 180 minutes in the final cycle.
- Measured elastic extension must exceed 90% of the theoretical value, with the creep rate constant or decreasing on the log-time plot.
- Acceptance tests on production nails: minimum 3% of working nails, stepped 25 / 50 / 100 / 150% of working load with a 180 minute creep stage at peak.
TfNSW TS 02163 (ATS 5140-23 MOD) — New South Wales
What TS 02163 requires for post-tensioned ground anchors
- Proof, suitability and acceptance testing of post-tensioned ground anchors, with frequency set by the AS 5100.3 risk class: 1–2% suitability tests, and 2% or 3 acceptance tests.
- Test load TP is capped at 0.8 times the ultimate tensile strength for strand and 0.75 for bar tendons.
- Measured extension must fall within 90–110% of the theoretical elastic extension.
- Lock-off load is set at 110–115% of the working load.
- Lift-off checks and creep observation periods apply at the nominated hold stages.
Not sure which tests your contract calls for?
Send us the relevant specification clause or the design drawings and we will confirm the testing regime, frequency and hold points — then price the programme accordingly.
Clause references reflect MRTS03 (March 2025), TfNSW TS 02168.1 (R64) and TS 02163 Post-tensioned Ground Anchors. Always confirm the edition nominated in your contract documents.